Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets started with high expectations and dreams of a Super Bowl win.
However, it ended in disappointment less than two years later.
The Jets officially ended any chance of Rodgers returning when new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey issued a joint statement on Thursday. They told Rodgers last week that their plan was to “move in a different direction at quarterback.”
Rodgers will likely be released after June 1 for salary cap reasons, and he could be let go once the new NFL league year starts on March 12.
The four-time MVP has not made up his mind about whether he will keep playing for a 21st season or retire. He has said several times recently that he will take some time to think it over.
While his future is uncertain, one thing is clear: If Rodgers wants to keep playing, it won’t be with the Jets. However, several teams in need of a quarterback might be interested.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and could choose a quarterback, like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Bringing Rodgers in could help them focus on other needs in the draft. But with a new general manager, Mike Borgonzi, and a young coach, Brian Callahan, the Titans may not want an older quarterback while they might be rebuilding.
Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson might miss all of the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time in a few months, and his future with the team was already in doubt. The Browns hold the second overall pick, so they could have the chance to draft Sanders or Ward. Even if they do, bringing in Rodgers could give the rookie quarterback a year to sit and learn.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones is gone, and Tommy DeVito is the only quarterback under contract for the Giants next season. New York has the No. 3 pick, so they could choose Sanders or Ward. But coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have little time to make improvements. They were kept for another season, but co-owner John Mara has made it clear that progress is needed. Bringing in Rodgers could be a last-ditch effort to stabilize things, and Rodgers wouldn’t need to move far since he’s familiar with MetLife Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders
Rodgers’ friend, Davante Adams, had wanted to leave Las Vegas to reunite with Rodgers in New York. But this is a new regime, with coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. The Raiders’ possible starters for next season could be Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew, especially with the No. 6 pick, which may rule out picking one of the top quarterbacks. However, the combination of Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady could be appealing to Rodgers, as he would help guide the Raiders while they groom a young QB.
Aaron Rodgers leaves the field after the gamePittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have made the playoffs for the last two seasons and four out of the last five under coach Mike Tomlin but haven’t advanced past the wild-card round. Owner Art Rooney II said it’s unlikely both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will stay, preferring the Steelers to pick one. Rodgers might change things since he could step in as a veteran quarterback for a team looking for its first postseason win since 2016.
San Francisco 49ers
Rodgers grew up in the Bay Area as a 49ers fan and wanted to play for the team when they had the No. 1 pick in 2005. But they chose Alex Smith instead, and Rodgers was drafted 24th by the Packers. Now, with Brock Purdy up for a contract extension, the 49ers could view Rodgers as the missing piece to help them return to the playoffs after missing out this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Could Rodgers follow the same path Brett Favre did when he left Green Bay, played for the Jets, and then moved to Minnesota? Sam Darnold might be a free agent after leading the Vikings to the playoffs, though he could be given the franchise tag.
Jones is still there after leaving the Giants, and J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a knee injury. Rodgers could step into a strong offense with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones, his former Packers teammate.
New Orleans Saints
New coach Kellen Moore spoke positively about Derek Carr in his introductory press conference but didn’t say Carr would be the starting quarterback next season. This has led to some speculation that the Saints might move on from Carr, who still has two years left on his contract. Rodgers could take over for Carr, who was the Jets’ backup plan when they tried to get Rodgers in 2023.
